Tallaght emergency dept inquiry 'significant'

The Minister for Health has described as ‘significant’ an investigation into the Emergency Department of Tallaght Hospital, which was announced by the Health Information Quality Authority.

HIQA said it had concerns about the quality and safety of care provided to patients requiring acute admission and receiving care at the Emergency Department of Tallaght Hospital, which is also known as Adelaide and Meath Hospital, incorporating the national Children's Hospital.

The investigation report and recommendation will be published when the inquiry is completed.

Dr James Reilly said the results of the inquiry will be studied intensively by all those concerned.

A spokesman said the Minister understood that all involved will fully co-operate with the investigation to allow for a speedy conclusion.

HIQA has been in correspondence with Tallaght Hospital for over a year regarding concerns about the quality and safety of care.

The main focus of the inquiry will be the adult Emergency Department but the investigation will not exclude the children's Emergency Department.

A statement from the board of the three hospitals operating at Tallaght said the hospital will fully co-operate with the investigation and that it is fully committed to delivering the highest standards of care to its patients.

The board added that the hospital is funded to look after the health of 350,000 people but in reality looks after 500,000.